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Et3N-Enabled Electrochemical PFAS Defluorination for Scalable Fluoride Recovery
Junwen Wang1, Pengyuan Zhang1, Benxiang Zhang1,2
1State Key Laboratory of Fluorine and Nitrogen Chemistry and Advanced Materials, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai200032, P. R. China.
This study presents a new electrochemical method using Et3N for degrading persistent per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and recovering valuable fluoride. This scalable process offers a sustainable solution for fluorine reuse from these environmental pollutants.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Electrochemistry
- Sustainable Chemistry
Background:
- Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental pollutants.
- PFAS contain a significant amount of fluorine, presenting an opportunity for resource recovery.
- Current methods for scalable fluoride recovery from PFAS are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a scalable and efficient method for PFAS degradation and fluoride recovery.
- To establish a sustainable approach for fluorine reuse from PFAS.
- To enable the conversion of PFAS into useful fluorine reagents.
Main Methods:
- An electrochemical strategy utilizing triethylamine (Et3N) was employed.
- The method operates under mild conditions, enhancing stability against air and moisture.
- The process was successfully scaled to the 100 g level.
Main Results:
- Nearly complete defluorination of PFAS was achieved.
- High fluoride recovery rates were obtained.
- Recovered fluoride was isolated as LiF, NaF, and KF for reuse.
Conclusions:
- The Et3N-enabled electrochemical system provides a practical and scalable platform for PFAS treatment.
- This method facilitates the sustainable recovery and reuse of fluorine from persistent pollutants.
- The recovered fluoride can be utilized in downstream fluorination reactions, promoting a circular economy.
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